Inauguration of the exhibition, “Bernini’s Souls”, at the Vatican Museums

Solidarity with the people of Valencia and all of Spain devastated by the DANA storm system

Art, culture and the Jubilee can be opportunities for solidarity and support to people affected by natural disasters, like the DANA storm system that struck Valencia. The exhibition titled, “Bernini’s Souls”, which was inaugurated on Tuesday afternoon, 19 November, at the Vatican Museums, by Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga, President of the Governorate of Vatican City State, and by H.E. Ms. Maria María Isabel Celaá Diéguez, Ambassador of Spain to the Holy See, is an expression of the close relationship between artistic masterpieces and charity. In his address, Cardinal Vérgez Alzaga expressed his sympathy to those affected by the “disastrous DANA storm system of 29 October, which devasted the Region of Valencia and other regions in Spain, last week, including Malaga and Granada”, and ensured his prayers for the victims.

The Ambassador of Spain to the Holy See, H.E. María Isabel Celaá Diéguez, highlighted that the exhibition of the two works made by Gian Lorenzo Bernini when he was a young man, “The Blessed soul” and “The Damned Soul”, at the Vatican Museums, is a way for the Embassy of Spain to participate in Jubilee 2025. The sculptures are usually not open to the public as they are housed in Rome’s Palazzo di Spagna, and are owned by the Pious Works - Spanish Establishments in Italy. The Ambassador also announced that proceeds from the sales of the exhibition’s catalogue will be sent to the people of Valencia, who were struck by “a terrible tragedy, the result of climate change, that caused an enormous loss of human lives and properties”.

In her address, Ms. Barbara Jatta, Director of the Directorate of Museums and Cultural Heritage, explained that Bernini “was the great director of the Baroque period”, and that “there is no doubt that the Vatican would not be the same” without his “brilliant works of art”. This is why, the Director continued, “his works in the Vatican allow us to understand the aspect of universality, and why on several occasions, like today, the Vatican has paid homage to him”. Indeed, she added, Bernini in the Vatican “can be described through the activities he carried out over the course of several pontificates as well as his personal relationship with some of the Popes”.

Even more significant, she said, was the “decision to organize the exhibition as Jubilee 2025 approaches, which strengthens the value of a universal artist who made “movements of the soul” – expressed so well in the two small sculptures – the centre of all his activity, portraying in a fitting manner, the current themes of the Jubilee”.

Ms. Helena Pérez Gallardo, Professor at the Complutense University of Madrid, and Curator of the exhibition along with Ms. Barabara Jatta, highlighted that the artworks reflect the close bond between Spain and Italy during the time of the Counter Reformation of the 17th century.

The exhibition will be open to the public, in Room XVII of the Vatican Pinacoteca until 31 January 2025.

The following is the address delivered by the Cardinal President:

I offer my cordial greeting to the Ambassador of Spain to the Holy See, H.E. Ms. María Isabel Celaá Diéguez,

To the Director of Museums and Cultural Heritage, Ms. Barbara Jatta,

To Ms. Helena Pérez Gallardo, Curator of the Exhibition,

To all the Authorities and Illustrious Guests, and to all those present,

We are gathered here to inaugurate the exhibition, titled, “Bernini’s Souls”. Essentially it is the sign of the fruitful collaboration between the Vatican Museums and the Embassy of Spain to the Holy See.

This is why, I am very grateful to the Ambassador for kindly lending the two busts made by Bernini, that are on exhibit as of today. The Governorate of Vatican City State is pleased to cooperate with Spain, within the context of the Jubilee.

This initiative was prompted and promoted by the Embassy of the Holy See. I too enthusiastically promoted it. As you know, I am from Spain. I was born in Salamanca, and this gives me an opportunity today to convey my most heartfelt sympathy to the victims and those affected by the disastrous DANA storm system of 29 October, which devasted the region of Valencia and other regions in Spain, and last week also Malaga and Grenada, and offer my continuous prayers.

The images of the terrible floods are always with me. I was struck at seeing people covered in mud on the streets strewn with objects and debris. I was also moved by the solidarity of people who immediately went to help their neighbours, trying to remove the mud and water from homes. I convey to the Ambassador, my closeness to all the people who are suffering, especially to those who have lost everything.

These images are also an opportunity to show that art can bring us closer to faith and be an instrument of salvation. I am referring to the heart wrenching image of the “Cristo yacente” in the Church of Saint George in Paiporta, considered to be ground zero of the DANA storm system. The Face of Christ was completely covered in mud, as if it were identifying with the hundreds of deceased and wounded of the great tragedy. It expressed Christ’s participation in the suffering of humanity, which was undergoing a distressing time. This is how an object of art can transmit the message of faith.

It is the same case with Bernini’s masterpieces, which as of today, can be admired by visitors. His two souls, “The Blessed Soul” and “The Damned Soul”, express a contrast: on the one hand the happiness of souls at peace with God and themselves, and on the other, the desperation of those who do not know how to welcome the hope that Christ offers each one of us.

Giovan Lorenzo Bernini lived during a century that was rife with projects and endeavours: the 1600s. The great Master had the privilege of having a professional and artistic relationship with eight pontiffs, and he established a very close relationship of trust and friendship with some of them.

Vatican City is characterized by many of his incredible works of art: the Baldachin in the Petrine Basilica, the Chair of Saint Peter, the Tombs of Urban VIII and Alexander VIII, the splendid Sala Regia, the celebrated and captivating Saint Peter’s Square with its colonnade, the statue of Constantine, the drapery of the Sala Ducale, the collections of drawings and documents stored in the Vatican Apostolic Library, the sketches and models used for his sculptures which are stored in the Vatican Museums, and much more. Vatican City State owes much to Bernini’s brilliance.

This is why the proposal made by H.E. Ms. Isabel Celaá Diéguez, Ambassador of Spain to the Holy See, to display the Souls of Bernini in the Vatican Museums – not usually open to public viewing, that show his incredible technical and artistic skills, even as a young man – was welcomed enthusiastically with a desire to share it with the many people who visit the Pope’s Museums.

With this exhibition dedicated to “Bernini’s Souls”, the Embassy of Spain to the Holy See, wishes to offers its contribution to Jubilee 2025, by making available to the public two works of art which would otherwise be difficult to see. This exhibition is thus an opportunity to strengthen the centuries-old relationship of friendship and cooperation between Spain and the Holy See.

Palazzo di Spagna is in fact one of the most emblematic buildings in Rome’s historical centre. The diplomatic mission of Spain is one of the oldest permanent missions in the world, and was established in 1622 to represent Spain at the Holy See. The building is thus the expression of the strong presence of Spain in the Eternal City, throughout the centuries.

Ever since the beginning of the 17th century, the Embassy has been a cultural hub, with concerts, theatrical productions and illustrious visitors. In time, it accumulated an incalculable patrimony, that includes Bernini’s two sculptures from 1619, which we could describe as “gems”, works of art that have a message for humanity.

I wish to congratulate and express my gratitude to the Ambassador of Spain, H.E. Ms. María Isabel Celaá Diéguez, and to the organizers of the exhibition in the Vatican Museums, for this initiative, which contributes to spreading knowledge of the richness of culture of Rome and the Vatican.

May Our Lady of Pilar protect all of Spain and offer her maternal assistance to all those who invoke her as Patron Saint of “Hispanidad”.

Thank you.